Our scripture this morning is Luke 8:16-18.
No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.
Jesus teaches that having something useful and not using it is silly. He gives the example of a lamp, something common and familiar, but He is speaking of the wisdom He is passing to us. We have been given a great gift, but not using it to share God’s love with the world is a waste!
This short passage is packed with meaning. Jesus is the light of the world and we are called to tell the world about what He has done. We have received the blessing of forgiveness for our sins and we are intended to let everyone know that they can have the blessing as well.
Jesus tells us that when we listen to His teaching, we can learn about the kingdom, and through our learning we can know even more. However, those who don’t listen will never find what is needed to come to Him. Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6) and the only way we can be saved.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for Your teaching that shows us how to be reconnected with God and each other. Help us to continue to listen and grow in faith, that all the world may be blessed. Amen.